EA Sports NHL 09 / 2K Sports NHL 2K9

grazza · Post by **grazza** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 2:41 pm

It does seem interesting how many ps3 games are in the shops despite lower console sales in comparison to the Wii. It is quite sad now to see shops not selling classic xbox games or fazing them out. Yet ps2 is still to be found all over and still I think have new games being released. I seen the same trend with PS1 in the last generation. Is strange though when you consider the classic xbox to be more powerful than ps2 and the gamecube also. Guess its sony flexing their marketing might. Gamecube games seem to be quite pricey compared to their xbox and ps2 counterpart can only assume it is a supply and demand issue.

As for new consoles coming out I think it will be another 2 years still they start coming out. Sony will hope that when the ps3 becomes affordable to more that the late adopters and laggards will bump up their market share. Nintendo have taken the more innovative approach to gaming which to be fair is refreshing compared to yearly sequels churned out on other formats. I think though with current economic difficulties that new consoles may be put back for a bit and also waiting for more people to have hdtv's to get the most out of their modern consoles.

Post by **archibalduk** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 10:02 pm

I've given up with the Wii. I was playing NHL 2k9 yesterday and realised that it is nowhere near as good as even the older EA NHL games (NHL 2000, for example). I don't like how developers seem to think that they can get away with half-assed efforts and dumbed-down games - especially when you compare how advanced games for the PC/PS3/X360 are. I don't think I'll ever be as impressed with the Wii as I could be so I traded the console and all of my games in for an XBox 360. I got Lips (it's the X360 equivalent to Song Star - it's great fun!) as well as Kung Fu Panda and Lego Indiana Jones. I think I'm going to trade in Kung Fu Panda and Lego Indiana Jones for something else as they're not really my sort of games.

mtsouth · Post by **mtsouth** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:51 pm

So I picked up NHL 09 and I'm having a blast. Currently on the 2nd line for the Canes after starting in the AHL (3rd line for Albany). My 19 year old LW Power Forward does a litte bit of everything. He can score on slapshots (wish I had recorded the one where in OT I blasted one in after crossing the blueline with 5 seconds left), wristers, deflections (love doing this), clear the crease on D, and take major penalties (5 minutes for boarding on Carle, who is now out for 28 games). I've scored 9 goals in 6 games with the Canes, including a Hat Trick the same game Eaves scored 4. I've uploaded some highlights to EA sports World, including a no look backhanded wrister from last night.

Gamertag is marksouth. Not sure if you can search via that.

Great game. Having a lot of fun and learning a lot about playing "team" hockey instead of one-on-one.

Couldn't get into FO3. Just not enough to draw me in. Considering Fable 2...anyone tried that out yet?

Post by **archibalduk** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 5:54 pm

Heh what a coincidence! NHL 09 (XBox 360) arrived in the post today. I too am having a blast. EA has nailed the balance between simulation and arcade - the best hockey game I've ever played by far.

Be a pro is a lot of fun. I play it on authentic mode which is cool because you play shifts and then sit out for a bit whilst you recharge. The only minor issue I've encountered is that the AI isn't really scoring whilst I'm on the bench - the first game I lost 1-2 after OT and the second I won 1-0 after a shoot out. But I've only played two games so far so maybe things will get better. I'm on the third line in the AHL (Providence).

My gamer tag is ccalvert. Any TBLers feel free to add me as a friend on www.easportsworld.com . Mark, I've added you as a friend on easportsworld

Post by **getzlaf15** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:54 pm

Yeah, the other team never seem to score on me either. And if you try Be a Pro as a goalie, it seems to me that my team don't score and i'll end up losing 1-0, 2-0 everytime. Maybe it's just a case of tampering the sliders a little to get the right balance.

mtsouth · Post by **mtsouth** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:55 pm

Awesome. I'll add you as well. Anyone here can feel free to add me as well. Maybe if we can get enough we can have a TBL club team online.

Yeah, the AI isn't great, but you'll get the hang of it. What I did was put it on Rookie mode (cause I'm not so good) and bump the shooting accuracy and power up one notch each. This is a global change so it helps both side. To change it, you'll need to go into settings and then on the basic ones it will allow you to scroll screens using the right and left bumper buttons. I found that my scoring was tough and wanted to give myself some help.

I've found that playing as your role really helps. Since my guy is a power forward, I try to bang people around and stay around the net. Also, as you get better linemates, you get more assists and are on the ice for more goals. Then again, my guy is a Cy Younger and has a 9:1 goal to assist ratio in the NHL. I can't help it. I make good passes and don't call for many unless wide open (right trigger). I try to help my guys by telling them to shoot (right bumper) when they are in good position (or when I'm camped out in front of the net prepared to clean up)

Franck · Post by **Franck** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 10:04 pm

Be a pro didn't work out so well for me, I chose to be an offensive dman and that didn't really work out as planned, basically the AI controlled players don't score enough for it to work out properly.

Post by **archibalduk** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 1:32 pm

Wow so I'm not the only one who is unsure of the AI in Be a Pro. I think I'm going to ride out a few more games to see how it goes and then maybe do what mtsouth suggested by putting up the shooting power and accuracy sliders one notch.

mtsouth · Post by **mtsouth** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 5:26 pm

Keep in mind that you are playing with AHL players and once you get to the NHL that things will be different. The Canes are currently scoring 4-5 goals a game and that's with me usually netting one or two at most. Many times, they score without me on the ice (hmmm.....maybe i'm the problem)

I'm tempted to try out an Offensemen at some point. I'm enjoying my PF right now b/c he can do a little of everything and has reasonable expectations for his season.

mtsouth · Post by **mtsouth** » Thu Jan 01, 2009 10:22 pm

Keep forgeting to mention that you can change the stick curvature and receive some bonuses. On your BAP, go to the equipment and choose a new stick. You'll be able to adjust the flex and the curve and see which one benefits you the most. There are some balanced ones, but most help either the wrister or slapshop. I'm using the Modano one and it's pretty good.

mtsouth · Post by **mtsouth** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 12:10 am

http://www.easportsworld.com/en_US/video/3050584

I'm #21. Two crushing checks and a blocked shot, all in the same sequence....enjoy.

BTW, to help with scoring, you can use the D-pad to change your strategies. I've been having the Cane play all-out attack (press right on the d-pad a few times). Gets the wings moving up ice and a lot of breakaway shots.

dave1927p · Post by **dave1927p** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:32 am

nice video. Gotta love the Be A Pro (gameplay). I love it....unforunatly i can't say the same about the Be A pro mode. I don't play online for NHL, perhaps i should start considering that's all they are focusing on.

I hope that EA focuses on getting the stats right for BAP and Dynasty mode because they're so far off its ridiculous. That's my biggest problem with the game. EHM spoiled all the fun that i use to have with EA's dynasty mode lol....but BAP needs way more depth.

What EA needs to do is add the euro leagues to Dynasty and BAP mode. They are already paying for the lisences. That will be great when (of if) they do.

Maybe in 10-15 years from now BAP will be a real RPG where you walk around the dressing room and chat with fellow team mates, then go onto the rink to practice or the weightroom to workout. And you start off in the juniors and work your way up to the NHL....that would be my dream game.

mtsouth · Post by **mtsouth** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:50 pm

DOWN GOES CHARA!!!

In NHL 09, I accidentally picked a fight with my BAP vs Chara. I had to pause the game for a second to do something and my oldest asked what was happening. I told him that "daddy is about to get beat up." Chara popped me once and I lost almost my whole bar. I dodged another and tossed a punch. BAM!!! One and done for Zdeno. This earned the fighting achievement and a big SMILE on my face.

The bigger they are, the luckier you have to be.

Post by **A9L3E** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:29 pm

mtsouth wrote:DOWN GOES CHARA!!!

In NHL 09, I accidentally picked a fight with my BAP vs Chara. I had to pause the game for a second to do something and my oldest asked what was happening. I told him that "daddy is about to get beat up." Chara popped me once and I lost almost my whole bar. I dodged another and tossed a punch. BAM!!! One and done for Zdeno. This earned the fighting achievement and a big SMILE on my face.

The bigger they are, the luckier you have to be.

My friend beated Chara twice in one game, when we were playing BAP and he didn't get any damage in second fight.

Post by **McQwak** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:35 pm

Haha, nicely described. In NHL 02 (which is the last version I played after moving to slower games - simulators) I won almost every fight. But it was fun although.

Post by **getzlaf15** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 1:17 am

I am now officially on Xbox Live, so anyone with a 360 willing to lose on NHL 09, let me know.

Archie, let me know when you're next online so we can play some GTA together. I've sent you a friend request too.

Post by **archibalduk** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:03 pm

So you managed to sort out your problem getting a LAN connection to your XBox then?

I'll accept your friend request next time I load up the console.

I don't have an active Live Gold subscription at the moment but I do have a three month Gold subscription that I haven't yet activated.

Post by **getzlaf15** » Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:26 pm

Good stuff, just PM or email me when you're online. I managed to get a hold of a wireless hub-thingy-majiggy from a friend. And it works fine as (can't think of a good metaphor

).

Post by **archibalduk** » Sat May 16, 2009 4:19 pm

Playing in a team is too much commitment, isn't it? If only it were possible to flit in and out.

I wouldn't be so adverse to playing online if it didn't cost. I think that you pay so much for the game already that why should you pay more to essentially unlock the (online) features of the game.

bruins72 · Post by **bruins72** » Sat May 16, 2009 8:07 pm

I think the big push towards online play is a part of the reason that I play less and less games. I've always looked at playing games as "me time". It's something I can do when I have the time. I can play for hours or just a little bit and I don't have to worry about who is going to be around to play with or if somebody else is going to adversely affect my experience. All the game companies are so wrapped up in online gaming these days but I don't depend on a game for my social interaction.

Post by **getzlaf15** » Sun May 17, 2009 1:49 am

archibalduk wrote:Playing in a team is too much commitment, isn't it? If only it were possible to flit in and out.

I wouldn't be so adverse to playing online if it didn't cost. I think that you pay so much for the game already that why should you pay more to essentially unlock the (online) features of the game.

Yeah sort of like EHM online where you don't all need to be on at the same time, you just sign in sort your team out and sign off. But how do you get around it with NHL09?

PS3 users don't actually pay for online play. I'm not sure if they need a wireless pack added onto it or not though like Xbox does, but Xbox also has to pay for supscription to play online too.

Post by **archibalduk** » Sun May 17, 2009 11:53 am

I've no idea how you could get around the problem of not all being online at the same time for NHL 09. I guess you could schedule regular matches and whoever is available joins and those who aren't are replaced with AI players...

I might be wrong, but I think I head that XBox Live is a heck of a lot better than the PSN - and this is how they justify the cost. I think if they want to charge for XBL then they ought to lower the price of buying games to compensate. It seems wrong to have to pay £40-50 for a game and then £35 per year for a Live subscription.

I don't think the PS3 is wireless either. Though, to be fair, they both have ethernet ports so you can connect it to your router straight out of the box - if you're lucky like me where the router and phone line are situated only two metres from the console. I'd imagine the next generation of consoles will be wireless without the need for for addon pack. Indeed, Microsoft are making at statement at the upcoming E3 expo (I think it's June or July) which they claim will revolutionise the way we look at home entertainment. I guess this will either be some major addon for the XBox 360 or possibly even a completely new console.

Post by **MWE** » Mon Oct 08, 2012 12:27 pm

Just bought this game today brand new for £8 for the xbox360 ready for when I go to Chester on Friday

EA Sports NHL 09 / 2K Sports NHL 2K9

Official PC/Console Thread: HOCKEY Games

Re: EA Sports NHL 09 / 2K Sports NHL 2K9